Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the Message
The POC Unscheduled Flow Detected message indicates that the controller measured flow through a flow sensor when no irrigation was scheduled to be running. The message includes several key pieces of information:
- Date and time — When the unscheduled flow was detected
- Priority — Typically set to low
- Flow BiCoder — The specific flow sensor that detected the unexpected flow
- Control point — Which control point experienced the unscheduled flow
- Limit versus value — The maximum allowed unscheduled flow compared to the actual measured flow (in gallons per minute)
For example, if the message shows "Limit versus value equals 15 versus 18.5," this means the controller expected a maximum of 15 GPM of unscheduled flow through the flow sensor on that control point, but it actually measured 18.5 GPM.
What Happens When This Alert Triggers
When the controller detects unscheduled flow that exceeds the configured limit, the response depends on your settings. If the unscheduled flow shutdown feature is not enabled, the controller will generate an alert only and will be unable to shut down the main line. The unscheduled flow will affect only the specific mainline and control point where it was detected—other mainlines on the site will continue to operate normally.
Common Causes of Unscheduled Flow
Several situations can trigger an unscheduled flow alert:
Water running that the controller doesn't know about: This includes someone using a quick coupler on the mainline or manually bleeding a valve for maintenance or testing purposes.
A leak on the mainline: A break or leak anywhere on the affected mainline will cause continuous flow that the controller did not initiate.
A stuck zone valve: If a zone valve fails to close completely after an irrigation cycle, water will continue to flow through that zone even when the controller believes irrigation has stopped.
Unscheduled flow limit set too low: The configured limit may not account for normal background flow on the system, causing false alerts when flow is actually within acceptable parameters.
Troubleshooting the Issue
1. Check for mainline breaks or leaks by visually inspecting the affected mainline for wet areas, pooling water, or other signs of leakage.
2. Inspect zone valves on the affected mainline to determine if any valves are stuck open or failing to close completely after irrigation cycles.
3. Verify whether anyone has been using quick couplers or manually operating valves on the system, as these activities would create flow that the controller doesn't expect.
4. Review the unscheduled flow limit setting to determine if it's appropriate for your system. If the actual flow value is only slightly above the limit and no physical issues are found, the limit may need to be increased.
5. Consider enabling the unscheduled flow shutdown feature if you want the controller to automatically shut down the mainline when unscheduled flow is detected, rather than just generating an alert.
6. Once you've identified and resolved the issue, clear the message from the controller.
🚨Important Notes About Manual Operations
Manual zone operations performed through the controller interface will not create an unscheduled flow situation. The controller is aware of these operations and expects the resulting flow, so they will not trigger this alert.
Adjusting Unscheduled Flow Settings
1. Navigate to the Flow Setup tab in the controller interface.
2. Select Control Points to access the settings for each control point.
3. Locate the unscheduled flow limit field, which displays the maximum GPM allowed for unscheduled flow (for example, 15 GPM).
4. Adjust the limit value if needed to better match your system's normal operating conditions.
5. Check or uncheck the Shutdown option to control whether the controller only generates an alert or also shuts down the mainline when the limit is exceeded. When shutdown is unchecked, you will only receive an alert with no automatic shutdown.
Video Walkthrough
Video originally published August 2021.
If you have questions, here are 3 ways to get answers:
1. Search within this HydroPoint knowledgebase
2. Visit the HydroPoint support page
3. Call 800-362-8774 or email support@hydropoint.com, hours are Mon-Fri 3:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT and Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT.